August as a slingshot.
A few weeks back, I had a coaching session with a young client about living with greater intention as we move through the last third of the year.
We're both golfers, so I shared some advice from an old Scottish mate about playing the game well.
There are 18 holes in golf. To play a good game, break it down into thirds:
The first six holes are for figuring out your swing.
The second six holes are for scoring and being aggressive.
The final six holes are for protecting your score, managing the game, and playing conservatively.
I think this is a great way to approach the year.
Traditionally, businesses divide the year into quarters due to seasonality and other factors. However, I find it better to approach it in thirds, at least for me personally.
The first four months are for finding my rhythm and creating a healthy routine. The middle four months are for exploring and challenging myself personally and professionally. And, the last four months are for delivering on my promises, especially my promises to myself.
As we wrap up the middle third of the year, it's crucial to build momentum for the final third. Many of you probably made resolutions at the start of the year.
How are you doing with those big-ticket items? Did you stick with your goals or fizzle out over time? Don’t worry. Every day is a new day and a chance to start over.
Put pen to paper and try breaking the year down into thirds.
Seriously.
What changes did January through April bring about? What about this middle third since May? What are you focused on? How are you feeling? Where are you dragging? What do you need to let go of? What do you need to dive deeper into? How can August be a slingshot into the rest of 2024?
Need a bit of inspo?
Try my personal productivity method for tackling the rest of today:
The early morning hours are for setting myself up physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the day ahead. The middle of the day is for the work I've been called to do in order to live and be productive. And, the evening is for rest and resetting.
It sounds simple, but it works if I work it. And it can work for you, too.
Ask yourself: What would make today a good day before you shut it down? What’s something difficult you’ve been putting off today? How can you begin to tackle it in a small way? What do you need to push to tomorrow?
The beautiful thing about viewing August as a slingshot is the physical and visceral change it brings about. It’s when we tip over into Fall. Change is afoot. And, hidden in its name is a fun fact: August is named after Augustus Caesar, who had many victories in this month, just like July was named after his great uncle Julius Caesar.
I’m curious, what small victories are within your reach over the next 25 days?
Another pen to paper moment. Don’t waste it.
+++
Steve Knox | Salt Lake City
/// Thanks as always for reading. I hope this stops you in your tracks and causes you to reflect. Don’t forget to share it with one other kind soul who likes, enjoys, or needs this type of thing. Be honest. Be you.